ISTANBUL (ANA-MPA/P. Zaharaki) – Greek diplomacy, speaking from the heart of Ankara with a clear message in support of dialogue, peaceful coexistence and international law, on Thursday highlighted key aspects of Greek-Turkish relations at a time of heightened geopolitical challenges.
The reception hosted by the Embassy of Greece in Turkiye on March 25, marking the national holiday celebrating the start of the 1821 Greek revolution against Ottoman rule, was held with due formality in Ankara. It was addressed by the Greek Ambassador to Turkiye Theodoros Bizakis and was attended by Turkish Deputy Foreign Ministers Ali Ozel and Mehmet Kemal Bozay, who also delivered remarks. Members of the diplomatic corps, as well as representatives of public authorities, the media, and academia, were also present.
The head of the Greek diplomatic mission in Ankara placed particular emphasis on the improvement in bilateral relations and the importance of maintaining open channels of communication, with specific reference to the recent visit of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to Ankara.
“The bilateral relationship between Greece and Turkiye constitutes an important chapter in our shared history,” Bizakis said, adding that the current trajectory began in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes in Turkiye, when the Greek people expressed sincere and spontaneous solidarity. The normalization of bilateral contacts and visits at various levels has enabled the establishment of stable channels of communication and cooperation, he said.
Greek Ambassador to Turkiye Theodoros Bizakis. Photo source: Greek Embassy in Turkey
He also noted that the reception was taking place almost one month after Prime Minister Mitsotakis’ visit to Ankara and the 6th meeting of the Greece-Turkiye High-Level Cooperation Council. Both leaders had reaffirmed the importance of dialogue and good-neighborly relations, he said, particularly in an unstable and constantly changing international environment.
“It is therefore more important than ever to continue efforts to preserve a mutually beneficial and functional relationship, focusing on what unites us while managing differences responsibly and with full respect for international law,” he noted.
Cooperation in economy, tourism and migration
Bizakis also outlined specific areas of cooperation between the two countries, ranging from trade to migration management.
“There is ongoing cooperation to improve infrastructure and facilitate transport, as well as in research, innovation and the sustainable management of water resources. Cooperation in migration is also significant, where enhanced contacts between police and coast guard authorities have yielded tangible results in addressing irregular flows. Last year, nearly 1.5 million Turkish citizens visited Greece, while approximately 700,000 Greeks travelled to Turkiye,” Bizakis noted.
In closing, the Ambassador thanked the hundreds of people attending and stated: “Geography cannot be changed. Greece and Turkiye will always be neighbors. What lies within our control is how we shape this relationship – on the basis of dialogue and the principles of international law – towards a future of peace, progress and prosperity for our peoples and our countries.”
During his address, Bizakis also underscored the enduring significance of the March 25 national holiday, linking Greece’s historical trajectory with contemporary values of democracy and international law.
It is once again a great honor and pleasure to celebrate Greek Independence Day here in Ankara, Bizakis stated, conveying what he described as a central message.
“March 25, 1821 is a defining milestone – the most significant day in our modern history; however, Greek history spans millennia. It is a history marked by struggles, victories and setbacks, yet always driven by the pursuit of a just cause. Since antiquity, Greece has promoted and upheld principles that place the human being at the centre – be it freedom, democracy, philosophy or the sciences,” he added.
The Ambassador presented Greece as a modern state with strong institutions and an active international presence, emphasizing the core principles of its foreign policy.
“Greece today is a modern state with robust institutions. It is a full member of numerous international organizations and currently has the honor of serving as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
“Allow me to reiterate the three words that define our tenure in this important body: Dialogue – Diplomacy – Democracy. Words that I can pronounce in Greek and be understood by most in this room and across the world. We can all appreciate how timely this message remains.
“This is the path we seek to follow – a path towards a better future, grounded in respect for international law, human rights, democracy and the rule of law. We must always uphold international legitimacy,” the Greek Ambassador concluded.
